ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways register Highest Freight in terms of loading and earning in August, 2021
Indian Railways freight loading was 110.55 million tonnes which is 16.87 % higher compared to August 2020 
Earned Rs. 10,866.20 crore from freight loading which is also 20.16 % higher compared to August 2020 
Despite Covid challenges, Indian Railways has maintained the high momentum in Freight figures in terms of loading and earnings during August 2021. Indian Railways freight loading during August 2021 was 110.55 million tonnes which is 16.87 % higher compared to August 2020  for the same period. Indian Railways also earned Rs. 10,866.20 crore from freight loading during August 2021 which is 20.16 % higher compared to August 2020 
The important commodities transported during August 2021 includes 47.94 million tonnes of Coal, 13.53 million tonnes of Iron Ore, 5.77 million tonnes of Pig Iron & Finished Steel, 6.88 million tonnes of Food Grains, 4.16 million tonnes of Fertilizers, 3.60 million tonnes of Mineral Oil, 6.3 million tonnes of Cement  and 4.51 million tonnes of Clinker.
A number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive. The speed of freight trains has been enhanced in the existing network. Freight trains speed improvement leads to saving of costs for all stakeholders. Freight trains speed has doubled during last 19 months.
Covid 19 has been used by Indian Railways as an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Khadi Masks’ Popularity soars; KVIC Receives Repeat Order for 10.5 lakh Face Masks from Red Cross Society
Khadi and Village Industries Commission  has received a repeat order and the biggest order so far for supply of 10.5 lakh high quality face masks to the Indian Red Cross Society . The new purchase order comes less than a month after its previous order for 1.80 lakh face masks out of which KVIC has already supplied 1.60 lakh face masks to the Society.
The new purchase order worth Rs 3.30 crore have been received recently and the supply will begin this week only. KVIC will complete the supply of the first order in a couple of days. The face masks will be similar to the ones being supplied as per the first order. The fresh order from IRCS is a result of the excellent quality and timely supply of masks by KVIC.
Union Minister for MSME, Shri Nitin Gadkari lauded the efforts of KVIC in creating sustainable employment in the country through mask-making activities. He said while face masks became the most effective protective gear against the Corona disease; its production created large-scale employment for the artisans.
The development comes as a big push to the local production as it will create nearly 50,000 additional man days for Khadi artisans. The execution of this order will require over 1 lakh meters of handmade cotton Khadi fabric which will be supplied by various Khadi institutions from different States. This will give an impetus to the spinning and weaving activities and thus create employment for the artisans.
KVIC Chairman, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the new purchase order from IRCS and said, “Charkha is the tool of economic freedom. Such big orders during these difficult times will ensure that spinning and weaving activities keep going on and bringing economic sustainability to our Khadi artisans.
Notably, this is the biggest order for supply of Khadi face masks received by KVIC so far. Earlier, the Jammu & Kashmir government had purchased 7 lakh masks during the lockdown. KVIC has also received repeat orders from Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister’s Office, Central Government ministries and orders from general public through KVIC’s E-portal.
The IRCS masks are made of 100% double-twisted handcrafted cotton fabric in brown colour with red piping. KVIC has especially designed these double-layered cotton masks for the Indian Red Cross Society as per the samples provided by them. The masks have a suitably printed IRCS logo on the left side and the Khadi India tag on the right side. Like other Khadi face masks, the masks made for IRCS are also washable, reusable, skin-friendly and biodegradable.
Ministry of Finance
The Government of India and ADB sign a $31 Million Loan Agreement to develop Tourism and boost Jobs in Tamil Nadu
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank  today signed in New Delhi a Loan Agreement for $31 million to build-up the State Tourism Industry and boost visitor arrivals.
The signatories to the tranche 4 loan for Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism  were Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary , Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, who signed for the Government of India, and Mr. Kenichi Yokoyama, Country Director for ADB in India, who signed for ADB.
After signing the agreement, Mr Khare said that the Project is expected to improve the tourism infrastructure in Tamil Nadu and also help the State in preserving the natural and cultural heritage. The activities under the project would also boost economic opportunities for the local people, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yokoyama said that the increased tourism traffic generated by this Project will generate extra jobs in Tamil Nadu, especially through skills training and community-based activities targeting the poor and women.
Approved in September 2010, the $250 million IDIPT aims to build opportunities for local communities and boost local economy by enhancing tourism in three other states – Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand- besides Tamil Nadu. This will be achieved through developing and preserving sites of natural and cultural heritage, and building connectivity, capacity, and infrastructure around State tourist sites.
The Government of India’s recent Three-Year Action Agenda  envisages the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector as a major driver of growth and employment. The Agenda recognizes India’s significant potential to increase:  the number of arrivals,  global presence by leveraging its cultural industries, and  capacity to create large-scale jobs among the poorest segments of the population. It identifies key areas for action, including infrastructure, marketing, and skill development, all of which are aligned with the MFF Road Map.
The Project will support the conservation and restoration of eight heritage monuments, one museum, three temples, and a pond. It will build various facilities at the sites, including information centers, rest centers, and toilet blocks, with facilities served by solar-powered lighting and energy efficient lighting. The total cost of the Project is $44.04 million, of which the Government will provide $13.04 million. The estimated completion date is June 2020.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy mountaineering expedition flagged off from INS Trishul
A mountaineering expedition to Mount Trishul-I  was flagged-off by VAdm R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command yesterday  from Indian Naval Ship Trishul. The Admiral handed over a ceremonial Ice Axe to the team leader and wished the team a successful summitting of Mount Trishul-I peak.
The event is being conducted as part of 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebrations to commemorate 50 years of the victory in the 1971 war. The theme of the expedition is "Trishul Yudhpoat Se Trishul Parvat Tak". The expedition is being led by Cdr Vishnu Prasad and has19 other members drawn from various units of the Indian Navy. The team assembled at Mumbai on 15 Aug 2021 and underwent physical fitness sessions, endurance training and trekking practice at Bhimashankar to hone its physical condition and technical skills.
The team will proceed to Delhi, and from there to Sutol , the nearest road head, and will commence trek to the Base Camp on 14 Sep 21 after acclimatization and logistics preparation.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Meeting with State Governments and Municipal Commissioners for elimination of identified single use plastic  items organised by MoEFCC
Success of the ban possible with effective engagement and concerted actions by all stakeholders
Air quality management in million plus cities /urban agglomerations discussed
A meeting was organised with 42 million plus cities /urban agglomerations  regarding elimination of single use plastic  items as well as air quality management. The meeting was attended by the Municipal Commissioners and senior officials of the State Governments from Environment, Urban Development and Local Self Government  Departments and State Pollution Control Boards .
During the meeting, the Municipal Commissioners were informed about the ban on identified SUP items that will come into effect from 1st July 2022. It was informed that the notification was published on 12th August 2021. The Municipal Commissioners were requested to lead their teams with regard to efforts for enforcement within their jurisdiction. They were requested to help all stakeholders including traders, distributors, retailers as well as consumers to switch over to alternatives of the banned SUP items.
It was highlighted that the success of the ban will be possible with effective engagement and concerted actions by all the stakeholders.
The Municipal Commissioners assured effective enforcement and taking up of constructive engagement with the stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the ban and switch over to alternatives to the banned SUP items.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Ganga and Yamuna Rejuvenation
Under Namami Gange Programme, a diverse set of interventions for cleaning and rejuvenation of river Ganga has been taken up including pollution abatement activities. While doing the pollution abatement activities, 97 towns have been identified along the main stretch of river Ganga for which waste water treatment projects have been sanctioned and are being constructed.
Around 3000 MLD sewage is generated from the 97 towns along Ganga against which sewage generation treatment capacity of 2279 MLD is already installed and another 1062 MLD STP capacity has been sanctioned and is at various stages of implementation. In addition, other initiatives like in-situ treatment of drains through bioremediation, fecal sludge management have also been taken up.
Government has also taken up rejuvenating the eight major tributaries namely Yamuna, Son, Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghra, Gandak, Kosi and Damodar. The number of the pollution abatement projects taken up in these tributaries are given below:
|
|
S.No
|
|
Tributary Name
|
|
No. of projects taken up
|
|
STP capacity 
|
|
1
|
|
Yamuna
|
|
22
|
|
1896.07
|
|
2
|
|
Son
|
|
1
|
|
21.00
|
|
3
|
|
Ramganga
|
|
3
|
|
146.00
|
|
4
|
|
Gomti
|
|
3
|
|
129.00
|
|
5
|
|
Ghaghra
|
|
1
|
|
32.00
|
|
6
|
|
Gandak
|
|
1
|
|
22.00
|
|
7
|
|
Kosi
|
|
1
|
|
9.00
|
|
8
|
|
Damodar
|
|
4
|
|
240.00
|
||
|
Total
|
|
36
|
|
2495.07
The Government of India releases funds to National Mission for Clean Ganga  for the implementation of the river Ganga rejuvenation programme. Thereafter, funds are released by NMCG for implementation of the said programme. The amount released by NMCG to State Governments/Executing Agencies from FY 2011-12 till 31 March 2021 is Rs.10,555.90 crore.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today..
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Government of India launches scheme for 100 % solarisation of Konark sun temple & Konark town
Envisages 10 MW grid connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications like solar trees, solar drinking water kiosks, etc
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy  has taken up the Complete Solarisation of Konark sun temple and Konark town in Odisha. Speaking about the Scheme, Shri R K Singh, MoS for Power and MNRE has said, "Government of India launched the Scheme with an objective to take forward the Prime Minister’s vision to develop the historical Sun temple town of Konark in Odisha as 'Surya Nagri', to convey a message of synergy between the modern use of solar energy and the ancient Sun Temple and the importance of promoting solar energy", .
The Scheme envisages setting up of 10 MW grid connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications like solar trees, solar drinking water kiosks, off-grid solar power plants with battery storage etc with a 100% Central Financial Assistance  support of around Rs. 25 Crores from Government of India through Ministry of New & Renewable Energy . Implementation of this Project will be done by Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency .
The Scheme will meet all the energy requirements of Konark town with solar energy.
RCJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 3359
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Morocco to Facilitate Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Morocco to facilitate Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications. The MoU was signed on 22nd January 2019.
Benefits:
The MoU will deepen, enhance and strengthen the cooperation between India and Morocco in the field of Education and Human Resource Development. The collaboration in the field of education through this MoU will enable experience sharing and thereby improving the platform to cater to the needs of various target groups. Also, the collaboration is expected to increase the inflow of Moroccan students to India under the Study in India Programme.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Visit Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh from February 28 to March 2
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh from February 28 to March 2, 2020.
On February 28, 2020, the President will address the first convocation of the Central University of Jharkhand in Ranchi.
On February 29, 2020, the President will visit Vikas Bharti, Bishunpur in Gumla, Jharkhand.
On March 2, 2020, the President will deliver the convocation address at the Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Loan Agreement executed between Department of Fertilizers and Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited  for disbursement of Interest Free Loan of Rs. 1257.82 crore to HURL to revive fertilizer projects at Sindri, Gorakhpur and Barauni
A Loan Agreement was executed here today  between Department of Fertilizers and Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited  for disbursement of Interest Free Loan of Rs. 1257.82 crore to HURL to revive fertilizer projects at Sindri, Gorakhpur and Barauni. The agreement was inked in the august presence of Shri DV Sadananda Gowda, Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Secretary , Additional Secretary  & Managing Director, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited ,
Interest Free Loan  The agreement was signed by Shri Niranjan lal Director on behalf of Department of Fertilizers  and By Shri Arun Kumar gupta .MD on behalf of HURL.
Government of India approved grant of Interest Free Loan to the tune of Rs. 1257.82 crore to HURL . The repayment of IFL would be done in 8 years beginning 2022-23.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers said that the approval of Interest Free Loan to the three units of HURL is culmination of the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to enhance domestic production of urea and reduce import dependency for meeting urea requirements of farmers in India. He said that the release of Interest Free Loan would help the three plants of HURL at Gorakhpur, Barauni and Sindri to start commercial production of neem coated urea by the year 2021. He noted that despite various obstacles being faced by the projects due to covid-19 crisis, physical progress of Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni plants at 80.3%, 74.2% and 72.8% have been quite satisfactory. Successful commissioning of plant would add 38.1 LMT of neem coated urea in indigenous production, and it will reduce dependency of import of urea. It will also help “AtmaNirbhar Bharat” campaign of Government of India and will generate direct and indirect employment.
CCEA in its meeting held on 13.07.2016 had approved revival of Gorakhpur & Sindri units of FCIL and Barauni unit of HFCL through nomination basis by forming a Joint Venture of nominated PSUs. Accordingly, a Joint Venture Company was incorporated as Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited . Equity of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited , Indian Oil Corporation Limited  and Coal India Limited  is 29.67% each whereas in case of Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited , it is 10.99%. HURL is setting up three Gas based Urea manufacturing units at Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni. The capacity of each plant is 12.7 LMT per annum.
RCJ/RKM
(Visitor Counter : 595
Ministry of Finance
India signs loan agreement with World Bank for US$ 125 million for “Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project”
A Loan Agreement for IBRD credit of US$ 125  for the “Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project” was signed with the World Bank on 24th April, 2018 in New Delhi. The Loan Agreement was signed by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of Government of India and Mr. Hisham Abdo, Acting Country Director, World Bank  on behalf of the World Bank.
The Objectives of the project is to nurture indigenous innovation, foster local product development and accelerate commercialization process by bridging critical skill and infrastructure gaps to promote affordable and innovative healthcare products generation for inclusive development and increasing competitiveness in India. The project would support consortia of public, private, and the academic institutions to overcome the key market failures currently holding back the development of an innovative biopharmaceutical and medical devices industry in India.
The project consists of the following parts:
 Strengthening of pilot-to market innovation ecosystem
 Acceleration of the pilot –to-market process for specific products and
 Project Management and monitoring & Evaluation.
The closing date of Innovate in India for Inclusiveness project is 30 June, 2023.
Ministry of Culture
The sword of first Indian woman fencer to qualify for Olympics Bhavani Devi now in e-auction of gifts and mementos received by Prime Minister
Auction proceeds to go to 'Namami Gange Kosh'.
It was a momentous day for Bhavani Devi when she became the first Indian woman fencer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. She made history by winning her first match at the Tokyo Olympics. It was a big achievement in itself as no Indian female fencer had reached that level. Though she crashed out of the medal race in the next match, it was enough to lift India's hopes and aspirations.
The full name of Bhavani Devi, who hails from Tamil Nadu, is Chadalavada Ananda Sundhararaman Bhavani Devi. She started her sports career in 2003, but had no interest in fencing. There is a very interesting story behind Bhavani Devi’s choice for fencing. When she decided to take part in the school games, she came to know that only six children from each class would be selected for the games. By the time Bhavani’s turn came, the children had been selected in all the games. As destiny would have it, no child had enrolled for fencing. Without battling eyelid, she enrolled herself in this fairly new game and began training. And the rest is history.
She has been an eight-time national champion in fencing. Bhavani, who created history by winning her first match in the Olympics, was among others felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the occasion, she gifted the same fence to the Prime Minister.
The historic fence which is now the pride of the country can be yours and you can cherish that moment forever. This fence has been included in the e-auction of gifts and mementos received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If you want to own this fence, participate in the e-auction at pmmementos.gov.in/ from 17th September to 7th October 2021.
Earlier also, the gifts received by the Prime Minister have been auctioned. The last time such an auction took place was in 2019. In that auction, the government earned Rs 15.13 crore. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire amount was deposited in 'NamamiGangeKosh' to make Ganga clean and pure. This time also the auction proceeds will go to 'NamamiGangeKosh'.
Special Service and Features
Observance of Discrimination against Women Pakhwada
Pondicherry University organized Observance of Prevention of Discrimination against Women Pakhwada in Pondicherry University.
Prof.MalabikaDeo, Chairperson, Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee and Dean, School of Management, Pondicherry University formally welcomed the gathering. In her speech she spoke about gender stereotyping and the need to sensitize people to prevent discrimination against women and girls. She added that rights are given but the society creates a threat and indeed discriminates when a woman wants to enter newer fields.
Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof.Gurmeet Singh, delivered the Presidential address in which he expressed about the unhappy situations at household and the still continuing gender disparity. Prof.Singh emphasized on the need to respect and treat the women at home with esteem and he also expressed how the menace of dowry still exists despite the laws to punish this evil. He urged the younger generations to take a pledge against the practice of dowry. Prof Singh appreciated the organizers and said that such workshops and panel discussions remind us that we are still in a grim situation.
The Chief Guest Dr. VidyaRamkumar, Chairperson, Dowry Prohibition Advisory Board, Govt. of Puducherry delivered the inaugural address wherein she elaborated on the rise of harassments and violence against women and children during the pandemic and stated that the women and children were living like refugees in their own houses. She also reiterated the need to create awareness and to encourage women to voice out and complain any violations caused against them. Dr.Vidya appealed the participants to be the voice of the voiceless.
Ms.Lakshmi Student Representative-SHPC gave away the vote of thanks.
The Inaugural session was followed by Sensitisation workshop on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 by Dr.Gurminder Kaur, Assistant Professor, School of Law, Pondicherry University wherein she highlighted the significant provisions and the challenges of the act.
This was followed by a Panel discussion on Elimination of Violence against Women. The Panel experts were Mrs.Sithara Nair Gerdes - External Member, SHPC-PU; Dr.VidyaaRamkumar, Chairperson, Dowry Prohibition Advisory Board, Govt. of Puducherry; Mr.N. Sandosh, Sub Inspector of Police - Cyber Crime Cell, Puducherry; Prof. R. Nalini, Department of Social Work and Dr.ThanujaMummidi, Centre Head  at the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Pondicherry University.
Streetplays were also organized by the School of Performing Arts to spread the message and prevent violence against women & girls.
The organizers had circulated posters to highlight on ways to end violence against women which were distributed and affixed in all departments of the University and different sections of the administration with the view to spread and disseminate the message. The event was organized by Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee, Pondicherry University.